tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19041693.post5796202748786352774..comments2024-03-09T12:18:51.016-05:00Comments on TOM GLOVER'S HAMILTON LIBRARY SCRAPBOOK: LOCAL HISTORY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH.: 1923 Et Seq: JUNIOR FOUR - AKA GRACE DUNN MIDDLE SCHOOLTom Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749723834326832799noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19041693.post-56755891882384934532013-04-22T13:57:47.489-04:002013-04-22T13:57:47.489-04:00Junior Four was a huge change from the K-6 grades ...Junior Four was a huge change from the K-6 grades at Harrison. At Junior Four you were allowed to begin specialization for your career by learning real-life skills in the shop classes, from woodworking (remember the Scotty Dog lamps?), printing and bookbinding, metal work (how about that forged and rivited fork made of band-iron?) and ceramics (slip-casting those Dutch figurines by the dozen in the mildewy plaster molds).<br /><br />Upstairs in the main building, we were taught the sciences by excellent teachers. I had Mr. Hirsch for three years, and he taught me how to think like a scientist, trying to get me to test my ideas and share the experiments with my classmates.<br /><br />The science closet out in the hallway was filled with some great old apparatus that was probably bought when the school was new.<br /><br />There was a closet between Mr. Hirsch's and Miss Papp's room that was stocked with chemicals to really give you a flavor of working with reagents and even dangerous materials.<br /><br />So how did all this training work out? Fifty years later I'm still in the game as a research scientist, and my resume still says that I won the coveted 9th grade Science Medal (1961).<br /><br />I even learned the fundamentals of aviation, having several paper airplanes that landed in the Rose Garden traced back to me by the Vice-Principal, J. Reynold Strunk. They had my name on them. ;-)<br /><br />Hard to say which school was better - Junior Four or Trenton High. Each taught me the lessons I needed to know for life.SJBillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01396634140715010591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19041693.post-48556746313285833422013-04-21T10:43:03.719-04:002013-04-21T10:43:03.719-04:00HI TOM....WALKING TO JUNIOR 4 WAS A LONG WAY FROM ...HI TOM....WALKING TO JUNIOR 4 WAS A LONG WAY FROM VILLA PARK IN 1932. MOST OF THE GUYS TOOK DIFFERENT ROUTES EACH DAY. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME I PLAYED BASEBALL FOR A SCHOOL AND IT WAS GREAT TO GET TIPS FROM OUR COACH MR. WOOD, MISS DUNN WAS A BIG HELP TO MANY STUDENTS AND WENT OUT OF HER WAY TO HELP. GREAT MEMORIES FROM A NICE SCHOOL. REGARDS<br /> RALPH LUCARELLAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19041693.post-27891434692471578382013-04-20T20:34:31.859-04:002013-04-20T20:34:31.859-04:00Tom, thanks. I should look in the basement for my ...Tom, thanks. I should look in the basement for my Argus. I went to THS in 53-54, so my Argus would be for the 52-53 school year I think. With Bo Belinsky included. <br />Great Memories. Ron Bound Srnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19041693.post-14925411094500946232013-04-20T20:32:32.774-04:002013-04-20T20:32:32.774-04:00Tom:
As noted several time previously, I spent th...Tom:<br /><br />As noted several time previously, I spent the happiest days of my life at jr.#4. I entered there in sept. 1946, and because of my olive skin, and dark hair I became an instant "Paisan". I still have the 47, 48, &49 Argus here in Virgiia to which I refer many times during the year. I still keep in touch with my friends who I met that first week. People like Johnny Licardo retired renown Phsyciatrist, the worlds best pharmacist; Carlo Benedetti, Tony Ponticello, broker to the stars in Las Vegas, Vince Silvestro, Rick Delorenzo of Tomatoe Pie fame, etc.,etc.<br />The teachers were dedicated, talented, and caring. I hated to go home after school. Active in sports, and the on Stage, I had leading roles in all three Operettas while there.<br />In 1947,Mrs.Renyolds, Max Stern, and Miss Egan the music teacher all who put the Operetta on, took us all to NYC to see a Broadway Show. With my dad bedridden, I could not afford to go. The teachers would not hear of it, and paid my way. I made sure I attended the funerals or wakes of those teahcers who were so kind to all us kids.<br />Not only did Surpreme Court Justice Sam Alito's father teach there, but his Aunt Helen work in the main office. She was a lovely lady. I communicate with Justice Alito, and sent him copies of the Argus with his dad, and /aunt's picture in it.<br />Got a nice note back from him which goes to my grandson for historical safe keeping.<br /><br />Wonderful school, great teachers, and still fond memories 66 years later.<br /><br />Mike Kuzma Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com